Supply Chain Now

Join us today as we discuss the current state of the US manufacturing sector, the impact of recent tariff changes, and the importance of contract manufacturing.. Welcome to The Buzz!

This week, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter welcome Keith Smith, President & CEO of Vonco Products to the show, to share his perspective on a variety of pressing topics, including:

• Insights into the healthcare manufacturing market
• Critical factors to consider when selecting a contract manufacturer
• Leadership advice for aspiring executives
• Tariff updates
• And more!

Listen in for insightful analysis and expert commentary, as we highlight the manufacturing sector on this Manufacturing Monday!

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In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker welcome Justin Sears, Head of Product Marketing for SaaS at Altium, to explore how manufacturers can stay resilient amid rising tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and evolving global risks. Justin shares how his career journey—from early SaaS solutions to leading cloud-based collaboration tools for electronics design—has shaped his approach to visibility, agility, and innovation.

Together, they unpack the complex impact of new tariffs on electronic components, why just-in-time is being replaced by just-in-case, and how companies are shifting procurement strategies to adapt. Justin also talks about the role of cloud platforms like Altium 365 in improving real-time collaboration across design, procurement, and manufacturing—bridging gaps, reducing errors, and increasing speed to market.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:14) Electronics industry and trade landscape

(02:21) Altium's history

(07:24) Impact of US tariffs on electronics

(14:46) Challenges in product development

(18:13) Cloud-based collaboration and workflow automation

(24:44) Shifting from single to multi-source models

(25:09) The challenges of coordination

(25:33) Eliminating email chaos

(26:12) The importance of supply chain visibility

(26:44) Analog vs. digital supply chain management

(27:41) Benefits of cloud platforms

(29:37) Real-world examples of digitalization

(32:34) Geopolitical and cyber threats

(38:46) Collaboration in supply chain management

(43:27) The crystal ball of global sourcing

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In this new episode of the NOW Generation series on Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and guest host Deborah Dull welcome Dr. Peter Haug, Sam Nocera, and Joshua Young from Western Washington University to explore how the NOW generation is shaping the future of supply chain management.

They discuss a first-of-its-kind case competition hosted by the university, where student teams tackled the challenge of creating a circular supply chain model for industrial pumps—an ambitious problem grounded in real-world complexity. Sam and Joshua, both first-year students, share how their team designed an innovative and decentralized repair hub strategy that leveraged predictive maintenance, digital passports, and augmented reality tools.

Deborah and Dr. Haug offer context about the program’s industry-partnered education model and share how mentorship, internships, and case-based learning are preparing students to solve tomorrow’s challenges today.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:16) Getting to know the “now generation”

(12:20) Dr. Haug's passion for military logistics

(25:04) The case competition experience

(30:41) Deborah's scholarship initiative

(32:40) Exciting case competition results

(33:19) Philanthropy and scholarships in supply chain

(34:28) Innovative solutions for a sustainable future

(38:32) Benefits of participating in case competitions

(42:45) Mentorship in supply chain education

(46:56) Overview of Western's Supply Chain program

(54:54) Empowering tomorrow's leaders

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Join us as we delve into the intricate dynamics of contemporary supply chain challenges, with a particular emphasis on the newly imposed automotive tariffs. Welcome to The Buzz!

This week, hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens' discussion unfolds a variety of pressing topics, including:

• The ripple effects these tariffs are anticipated to have on the automotive industry and consumer prices
• The plight of British Steel, which faces potential shutdowns amidst ongoing struggles
• Significant movements in retail, where companies are racing to enhance delivery capabilities in response to evolving consumer expectations
• What the US government is doing abroad to ease egg prices at home
• And more!

Listen in for insightful analysis and expert commentary, as we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of these critical developments across the global supply chain landscape.

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In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter are joined by Jeffrey Shih, CEO of Taiwan-based Dimerco Express Group, who brings over 35 years of logistics industry experience. The conversation covers a range of topics including the impact of tariffs, trade compliance, and the shifting dynamics of global sourcing strategies. Jeffrey shares invaluable tips on managing global relationships, the importance of technology in logistics, and the significance of understanding local cultures and practices.

Whether you're a supply chain professional or simply interested in the field, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice.

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